Hello, friends!
Have you had a good Thursday? Tomorrow is FRIDAY!!! Woo hoo!
This afternoon, we got another lady in our house. It’s like The Bachelor mansion over here! My mom is taking care of Bella, my Aunt Lisa’s new shih tzu. Bella is a rescue dog—she worked as a “breeder” in a puppy mill until her services weren’t needed anymore, and then they dropped her off at the pound to be put down. Luckily, a shih tzu rescue group found her just in time! My aunt adopted her from the rescue group, and they’ve been inseparable ever since!
Here’s the little lady:
My family always makes fun of me because I am OBSESSED with our dogs. I love buying them clothing, and have been known to shed a few tears when talking about the fact that Ella is my soul mate (some wine is usually involved in these conversations, but still…).
So you can imagine how excited I was when my aunt dropped Bella off with this:
LOL. Bella has an entire suitcase packed with anything she might need, including a change of clothes, dog treats, food, and toys. What a prima donna!
She even travels with her own dining equipment:
Around 7, we headed out for a lovely, fancy meal at one of Shreveport’s premier dining establishments: Bella Fresca.
They don’t have any specific vegetarian entrees on the menu, but the chef was happy to prepare a vegetarian feast for yours truly!
Before we ordered, we were served a basket of delicious, chewy French bread, warm from the oven:
And wine, of course:
I started off with a salad: mixed greens with goat cheese, table grapes, spiced pecans, and walnut vinaigrette.
For my entree, our waiter told me that he could show me a list of meatless pasta dishes, or that the chef could just “work his magic.” I chose the latter of course…I told him to just surprise me! About fifteen minutes later, this arrived at the table:
Mmmm…sesame tempura asparagus with wild rice pilaf, garlic spinach, and habanero cream. Ummm…yeah. This was awesome.
Full disclosure: I ended the meal with an Earthereal cookie: cowboy carob chip! Yum!
Sooooo, the sugar challenge didn’t go so well today. My breakfast was easy enough to track—16 grams total, with the cereal and soy milk. Lunch was harder, being from a restaurant. Obviously the veggie burger and salad didn’t have added sugar, but that carrot cake on the other hand…
And then of course the cookie I just enjoyed!
Oh well…sorry guys—I’ll try to get back on track tomorrow, but if I’m being honest, I’d say this is probably how it’s going to be for the next few days! It’s just harder to track this challenge at home! I’m going to try though…just have patience with me!
Hope you’re having a great night! See you tomorrow…Friday!
lpskins said,
February 5, 2010 @ 3:39 am
I LOVED every minute of the dog conversation. Every dog deserves a packed suitcase. About the sugar– you’re human and you’re kicking ass. We do what we can. And what the frig are table grapes? Have I been living behind a rock?
Anna said,
February 5, 2010 @ 1:36 pm
lol– that’s funny– I wondered the same exact thing! I have no idea– they tasted just like regular red grapes to me
Karla said,
February 5, 2010 @ 4:52 am
I don’t think you should apologize about your sugar intake. Life is about balance. Some days you will consume more and some days less. You’re on a mini-vacation! Enjoy it! Don’t stress!
eaternotarunner said,
February 5, 2010 @ 12:21 pm
I think you’re doing great, esp for being on vacation!!
Erin said,
February 5, 2010 @ 12:27 pm
My grandparents’ dog has four winter coats. FOUR. A rain slicker, a heavy down (?) jacket, a velvet/velour “gentlemens” coat and a Santa suit.
He has more than *I* do. hahaha
Morgan said,
February 5, 2010 @ 12:58 pm
So cute, I thought my dog traveled in style
Have a great Friday!
Gabriela said,
February 5, 2010 @ 1:18 pm
It’s so nice that your aunt got a rescue dog! We’re looking for a new one, and there are so many puppy mill dogs that need good homes. I love that the chef made you your own dish- it looks delicious! I may have to ask for that next time a restaurant doesn’t have a veggie entree!
Anna said,
February 5, 2010 @ 1:37 pm
I’ve done it a few times now, and honestly, I don’t think the chefs have minded at all! I think they kind of like it– it’s like they’re on top chef or something, competing in a challenge
Madeline - Greens and Jeans said,
February 5, 2010 @ 1:43 pm
I LOVE the fact that the little cutie came with an outfit change! When I was a vegetarian I would always ask about a veg option if there wasn’t one on the menu, and chefs were always glad to help out! The results weren’t always so spectacular, but I was always extremely appreciative!
Heather (Where's the Beach) said,
February 5, 2010 @ 1:51 pm
What a sweet looking girl! I am a firm believer in spoiling your dogs. Both of mine came from rescue groups and they are well doted on! My hubby does draw the line with clothes though. I think it’s mostly about what people would think about HIM when he’s walking the dogs. Cockers are sort of girly looking anyway! LOL.
Heather said,
February 5, 2010 @ 2:08 pm
I love salads like that! Goat cheese, nuts, fruit…yum!!! That’s so cool the cook just whipped something up for you! I’m always a little scared to take that option…looks like yours turned out fantastic though!!
Karin said,
February 5, 2010 @ 2:26 pm
Oh my, Bella is so cute!! So amazing of your aunt to rescue her..
Sesame tempura asparagus sounds amazing! (I have a weakness for all things tempura – BAD!)
theprocessofhealing said,
February 5, 2010 @ 2:28 pm
Tomorrow is a new day.. and you are on vacation, so don’t worry about it girl.
Your dinner looks fabulous!! I think that any meal that a chef creates like that is probably almost better than a lot of things off of the menu. How cool that you got to do that!
Bella is too cute!
Ameena said,
February 5, 2010 @ 2:31 pm
I don’t think you’ve done bad at all, especially since you are on vacation! One cookie is nothing to apologize for.
5-10 now that is a different store. And trust me I’ve done it before!
Have a great Friday!
Danielle said,
February 5, 2010 @ 2:37 pm
Everything looks so good! (And your dog is really cute btw)
I don’t think you should worry too much about the sugar! Granted, it is a challenge and that alone would make me want to stick with it…but carrot cake + cookies are the little joys of life
Sophie said,
February 5, 2010 @ 2:40 pm
I feel the same way about all pets, they make life better! I can’t wait to get one of my own. Her suitcase is adorable!
Joanna Sutter (Fitness & Spice) said,
February 5, 2010 @ 2:42 pm
You rock! I have a Bella, too. A rescue dog of sorts.
p.s. I wouldn’t last 1/2 a day on a sugar-free diet. I’m an addict!!!
Bonnie said,
February 5, 2010 @ 2:49 pm
I admire (and trust) anyone who treats their animals like members of the family! Our dalmatian (Argos) really doesn’t like clothes but he does love crawling under the down duvet at night, high class treats, long walks and lots of loving. I’ve never understood those who have dogs (I can’t call them pets) who stay outside all the time and penned up. What’s their purpose? They can’t be called watch dogs. How do they get loose to protect? The neighbors resent their barking. I could go on and on! Hope you enjoy puppy sitting with a deservedly pampered pooch!
peanutbutterfingers said,
February 5, 2010 @ 3:34 pm
that is too, too funny. i LOVE all the doggie belongings. so adorable.
lpskins said,
February 5, 2010 @ 3:36 pm
You’re twin stopped my on the street to today to pet Eleanor. Are you secretly in Boston?
Heather (Heather's Dish) said,
February 5, 2010 @ 3:57 pm
oh my gosh that suitcase is hilarious!!! love the dinner salad…it looks so amazing right now!
The Ordinary Vegetarian said,
February 5, 2010 @ 5:16 pm
That pup’s suitcase might be the cutest thing I’ve seen, well other than her!
Great dinner too!
Kelly said,
February 5, 2010 @ 6:06 pm
That is so cute that the dog has a suitcase!! Love it!
Kristen @ Change of Pace said,
February 5, 2010 @ 6:48 pm
The dogs suitcase cracked me up! It’s nicer than what I carry my stuff in! If I had a dog that cute she’d probably have a suitcase like that too
Abby said,
February 5, 2010 @ 8:17 pm
LOVIN the doggy suitcase!!
(oh and that cookie.. oh my goodness..YUM)
Happy Friday
inmytummy said,
February 6, 2010 @ 12:29 am
You’re on vacation. Don’t stress about the sugar!